Mercedes SLS AMG E-Cell [Video]

Mercedes Benz made an official announcement during the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show to bring a fully-electric version of its SLS AMG supercar. Almost a year after, the company has finally developed a prototype of the proposed model that looks stunning and sounds great in performance according to the recent leak of details on the web.

The Mercedes SLS AMG E-Cell, showing a bright yellow exterior paint job in these official images, is ready for its debut. We bet Daimler will unveil the full picture on the Mercedes SLS AMG E-Cell in a few days time. Much like the Audi eTron, the Mercedes SLS AMG E-Cell is also powered by four electric motors, one for each wheel. The total output of the Mercedes SLS AMG E-Cell is rated by the company at 526 hp and 649 lb-ft of torque. What's even more amazing about the new model is that it revs as a bike - up to 12,000 rpm. Too bad electric motors don't make enough noise.

The electric version of its Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS develops 533 HP and 590 lb-ft of torque. The model can accelerate from 0-60 mph in four seconds and is equipped with lithium-ion batteries. The technical details above are valid for the prototype model, the production version is not completed yet. Moreover, the autonomy and the necessary time to load a SLS AMG E-Cell are unraveled elements.


The interior of the car has also been modified, as it has been adapted to the needs of an electric vehicle. The instrument cluster now features charge status & estimated range displays, while the center console features a ten-inch touch screen display that offers information about the electric power.

External changes include the addition of an extendable front apron and splitter, a wider grille, revised air intakes in the hood, LED headlamps, plus a luminescent yellow paint scheme with matte-black accents.

Other changes – apart from the fitting of the electric motors and the bank of lithium polymer batteries housed in the centre tunnel and a box behind the cockpit – include an extendable front splitter which works with a reshaped rear diffuser to up the available rear downforce beyond the standard SLS, thanks in no small part to the lack of an exhaust system. Inside, the SLS E-Cell gets a 10″ touch screen in the centre console which displays the flow of power from the four electric motors as well as the usual infotainment stuff.

2010 Peugeot 107 Millesim Special Edition

The 2010 Peugeot 107 Millesim is equipped with a 3-cylinder petrol engine that has CO2 emissions of only 106 grams per Km and comes with 14 inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, rev counter, special colour trim and air vent surrounds plus the Millesim 200 badging.

The Peugeot 107 Millesim is based on the Urban Plus and comes equipped with 14 inch alloy rims, air-conditioning, a rev counter,

The standard equipment list is quite extensive. It includes special code blue seat trim, blue air vent surrounds, blue instrument binnacle, and unique Millesim 200 badging.

This special edition version of the 107 also comes equipped with ABS, electronic brake force distribution (EBFD), corner stability control (CSC), power steering, four airbags, remote control central locking, two rear three-point seat belts, 50/50 split folding rear seat, height adjustable steering column, radio / single CD player with MP3 socket, body colour exterior door mirrors, black body side trims, electric front windows, two rear ISOFIX child safety seat mountings, and internally adjustable door mirrors, among others.

The Peugeot 107 Millesim price starts at 9,495 GBP for the 2-door and at 9,895 GBP for the 5-door model.

Press Release:

Like the 207 and 308, Peugeot’s fun and economical 107 hatchback has also now received the Millesim treatment, as part of Peugeot’s 200 year celebrations.

Powered by an economical three cylinder petrol engine, which emits just 106 g/km, the 107 Millesim also benefits from zero vehicle excise duty and a group three insurance rating. This means that it is the perfect car from the point of view of low running costs and with the comprehensive standard Millesim specification, the ideal car for customers looking for a small car but still requiring big car features, like air-conditioning, alloy wheels etc…

It is based on the current Urban Plus model but benefits from a rangeof extra standard equipment consisting of: 14” alloy wheels, air-conditioning, rev counter, special code blue seat trim, blue air vent surrounds, blue instrument binnacle and unique Millesim 200 badging.

Model Range

	On-the-road Price	Combined MPG	CO2 Emissions
107 3-Dr Millesim	£9,495.00	62.7	106
107 5-Dr Millesim	£9,895.00	62.7	106

As well as the extra standard equipment, all 107 Millesim models alsobenefit from: ABS, electronic brake force distribution (EBFD), corner stability control (CSC), power steering, four airbags, remote control central locking, two rear three-point seat belts, 50/50 split folding rear seat, height adjustable steering column, radio / single CD player with MP3 socket, body colour exterior door mirrors, black body side trims, electric front windows, two rear ISOFIX child safety seat mountings, Internally adjustable door mirrors…

The 107 Millesim range will be available this month priced from £9,545.00 on-the-road for the three door version. All models ordered in June also come with a free Nokia 5230 smartphone with inbuilt satellite navigation with free future updates and an in-car mounting kit.

New images released for 2011 Fiat Punto Evo Abarth

The latest two models from Abarth have just been launched in Italy, Fiat announced today, supported by a new advertising campaign. Dubbed “More power to your senses,” the campaign reunites the two Abarth models thanks to the sporting spirit of Fiat’s in-house tuning company.

The Abarth Punto Evo features a similarly redesigned nose to the Fiat version with a wide horizontal bar through its front bumper and a slimmer grill above. Its rear bumper with integrated diffuser and tail lamps have also been freshened up. But the biggest changes are under the skin.

Performance version of Evo Punto facelift aims to attract customers aged 18 and 30, like its precursor. On the other hand, Abarth 500C comes with an approach equally appealing to female audiences, but something stronger for those who want to rely on a powerful engine.

Abarth also upgrades the front brakes with 11.2-inch rotors, and encases them with unique 16-inch aluminum wheels (17-inch patterns, however, are optional). Other touches include Abarth-specific badging, ground effects, and minor interior tweaks.




Press Release

Abarth Punto Evo Abarth 500C: “More power to your senses”

The Abarth 500C and Abarth Punto Evo, Abarth's latest versions of two tried and tested models, are due for launch from mid-June in Italy.

The new Abarth Punto Evo aims to win an even bigger place in the hearts of young enthusiasts, continuing the work begun with the Grande Punto, which is bought mostly by customers aged between 18 and 30. The Abarth 500C is distinguished by its elegance and dynamism while the Abarth spirit lives on in its sporting features. The new open-topped car with its reworked engineering also represents a strategic choice by Abarth: this model was also produced to appeal to women customers who seek design and elegance but also appreciate the performance of a true sports car.

Both cars recently made their international public debuts at the Geneva Motor Show and now share the same launch to demonstrate to the public that both represent the very best of the Abarth sporting spirit despite their different characteristics and target customers. This unique event is accompanied by an original advertising campaign, created in conjunction with the 515 Creative Shop studio in Turin and identified by the slogan “More power to your senses”, a concept that matches the brand's values perfectly.

The Abarth 500C and Abarth Punto Evo will certainly help to consolidate the already excellent results achieved in 2009. Proof that the direction taken by Abarth is the right one comes from the statistics. These indicate quite clearly that the brand is experiencing continuous growth: from 2008 to the present day Abarth has sold nearly 22,000 cars, including 8400 Abarth 500 versions and 2700 Abarth Grande Punto cars during 2009, as well as more than 3300 performance kits. This commercial success is complemented by the inexorable growth in dealerships and official performance centres. Abarth is in fact completing its coverage of strategic cities in Europe such as Amsterdam and Paris, and in addition to consolidating its presence in existing markets it is extending to Eastern European markets such as Romania and countries in the Mediterranean basin such as Israel. The Abarth distribution network is a truly unique phenomenon, boasting 141 showrooms, 140 official performance centres and 300 service centres in Europe. That's not to mention the latest network of Abarth Racing preparation shops made up of six outlets in Italy, which are exclusively responsible for selling Abarth racing cars and servicing them for customers.

Two models, one spirit: driving experience taken to the maximum sensory levels

The new advertising campaign “More power to your senses” will be rolled out in different media in the coming months, with particular attention to digital media and is further reinforced by a distinctive red graphic marking that simultaneously divides and unites the two cars. The Abarth 500C and Abarth Punto Evo offer a unique and unrepeatable driving experience that transcends the idea that a product is something simply to be used, taking you into the realms of powerful emotion. Normally, when you use an object you do not think about how it was made or why it was made in a certain way, you simply use it. This does not happen with an Abarth. An Abarth reminds you in every detail and at every moment that it was built with but one purpose: performance. Each of its components expresses its vocation: its incisive engine sound, the noise of its wheels on the asphalt, its attractive design, its race-tuned suspension and acceleration worthy of an out-and-out sports car.

With an Abarth the perception of driving is increased and amplified to the maximum.
The perception you receive from an Abarth Punto Evo, in particular, is guaranteed by the 165 HP delivered by a MultiAir engine with enhanced power level to guarantee even more driving performance and adrenaline: all in all, the new car represents Abarth empowerment taken to its highest levels. The Abarth 500C perception combines all the sensations of sports driving with those produced by the panoramic opening hood which accentuates your perception of the surrounding environment, the wind in your hair and the sound of 140 HP under the bonnet. Driving is even sportier thanks to steering wheel gearchanges.

These two models may be very different but they share a single spirit, the sporting spirit of the Abarth scorpion logo, which has proved itself capable of awakening the passion of thousands of motorists with a taste for challenge, speed and Italian style.

GM Backtracks On Plan To Nix Chevy Nickname [Video]

General Motors Co. on Thursday backed off a "poorly worded" internal memo that asked employees to refer to the brand only as "Chevrolet" -- not its long-standing nickname -- in an effort to create consistency.

In the original memo, employees were discouraged from using the "Chevy" nickname for the Chevrolet brand. GM later issued a statement to clarify the intention of the memo, saying that it was only meant to help establish Chevrolet as a global brand and that employees needed to be more focused in their communications in referencing the brand.

General Motors said " 'Chevy' will continue to reflect the enthusiasm of customers and fans."
Advertisement

The internal memo was part of an effort to develop a consistent brand name as it establishes a significant global presence.

In a video also issued by GM to correct itself, Alan S. Batey, vice president for Chevrolet sales and service, said, "Chevy is our nickname. It comes from selling vehicles here in the U.S. for 100 years. We love it when people call us Chevy." Batey was one of the two GM officials who signed the original memo.

On Facebook, brand pages include Chevy Camaro, Chevy Silverado and Team Chevy.

General Motors also stated that they were reconsidering resurrecting the talifin. A sudden resurgence of the love for the 1959 Chevrolet is rumored to be the reason.





Press Release

Statement on the use of Chevrolet and Chevy

"Chevy" will continue to reflect the enthusiasm of customers and fans

2010-06-10 DETROIT -- Today's emotional debate over a poorly worded memo on our use of the Chevrolet brand is a good reminder of how passionately people feel about Chevrolet. It is a passion we share and one we do not take for granted.

We love Chevy. In no way are we discouraging customers or fans from using the name. We deeply appreciate the emotional connections that millions of people have for Chevrolet and its products.

In global markets, we are establishing a significant presence for Chevrolet, and need to move toward a consistent brand name for advertising and marketing purposes. The memo in question was one step in that process.

We hope people around the world will continue to fall in love with Chevrolets and smile when they call their favorite car, truck or crossover "Chevy."